A TAXI driver from Radlett was ordered to pay more than £3000 and banned from driving for two years after he was caught using an uninsured and unlicensed car.

Robert Dennis, 51, of Harper Lane, appeared at Watford Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 28.

Between April and August 2010, he took bookings around Hertsmere as a private hire operator in his Mercedes saloon.

He pleaded guilty to not being licensed by the borough council, and was ordered to pay £3015 - comprising a £2500 fine, costs of £500, and a victim surcharge of £15.

Phil Andrews, the council's principal licensing officer, said: “One purpose of licensing is to ensure that taxis and private hire vehicles in the borough are safe, comfortable and properly insured.

“To ensure the safety of the public all licensed vehicles must have a MOT, a Statement of Compliance which ensures the vehicles are safe and that they are properly insured. Unlicensed vehicles do not have this level of protection and are in effect unsafe.”